Hello! Growing up most of my life in Hawaii and Florida, I’ve had quite an eventful life and very grateful for it. My father was in the military, so we lived in many other places as well, including Washington DC, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, and now back in Tampa. My father is from the East Coast in New Jersey, my mother from Colorado (fun fact-my mother’s family established the first town of Colorado, San Luis. My family were all Spanish cattle ranchers and farmers). I moved back to Hawaii right after graduate school and started my career as a Child Therapist and lived there for 30 years of my life. I was married and have two college aged kids, one at University of Sydney, Australia, and one at Florida State University. I’ve been thankful to travel all around the world as well, and look forward to many more experiences to come. 

I love being outdoors, especially anything to do with the water, hiking, exploring, traveling, animals of any kind, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. I was in band and orchestra as an adolescent so I also enjoy a variety of music and performed at all different kinds of venues. I would say my personality is very positive and always striving to smile though any challenge given to me. I’m one of those making lemonade out of lemons kind of people, trying to find the positive in life. I also see myself as a chameleon, where I have lived and worked with more sophisticated groups, military, as well as enjoy nature, work with children and adolescents, seniors, large groups or small. I have always loved research and history, especially with my father, growing up listening to stories and learning so much from him.

I had two lightbulb moments in my life where I felt two passions of work, one being a Child Life Specialist, then becoming a Director in the field, working with children and adolescents with different medical issues from acute to terminal, helping them through the process. My second moment is now as a Tour Director. It feels just right. I treat others as if they are family or friends, with the same efforts and passion. Considering myself as a caregiver and love helping people, I absolutely have enjoyed the tours I have done so far and cannot wait to expand my horizons throughout the industry, helping people make memories wherever they travel.